The first Macs powered by Apple M1, the first Apple-designed chip for the Mac are now available in stores. Including Mac Mini, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro, starting at a recommended retail price (RRP) of A$1,599 with free delivery.
Just last week Apple unveiled the new Macs during its ‘One More Thing’ event. While the design of the new products will look very familiar, they are significant because they no longer run on Intel processors. Instead, they are powered by an Apple M1 chip – the first Apple-designed and engineered chip for the Mac.
Apple M1 chip is capable of delivering significantly more performance, graphics, and Machine Learning (ML), all while using less power. And allows Apple to integrate its software and hardware even tighter – which will benefit App developers and therefore, consumers.
Together with macOS Big Sur, the latest release of the Mac operating system, M1 will deliver:
- CPU performance up to 3.5x faster
- GPU performance up to 6x faster
- Machine learning up to 15x faster
- An increase in battery life by up to 2x
To deliver all that, Apple built the M1 using cutting-edge 5-nanometre-process technology. And packed 16 billion transistors onto it – the most Apple has ever put on a chip. As a result, it is the world’s fastest CPU core in low-power silicon, and the world’s best CPU performance per watt. While also having the world’s fastest integrated graphics in a personal computer.
Battery life has seen a huge increase thanks to the new M1 chip. The 13-inch MacBook Pro, for example, lasts up to 20-hours on one charge – double the time over the previous generation.
Availability and buying
Up until today (November 17th, 2020) preorders have been taken for the new Macs. However, today is release day meaning they are available in Apple’s retail and online store, and in selected Apple Authorised Resellers. However, there is the potential for the stock to become limited with Christmas shopping just around the corner. Apple has even started to advise to shop early as many are expected to shop online this year due to the global pandemic.
Pricing
In Australia, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M1 starts at a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of A$1,599. While the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 is priced from A$1,999. The most affordable Mac with an M1 chip will be the Mac Mini, starting at a Recommended Retail Price of just A$1,099 – A$150 cheaper than the previous-generation.
All models can be configured in a variety of ways, including more storage or memory, at Apple’s online store. And can be ordered starting today, with fast delivery or in-store pickup available.
Every new Mac purchase will also include three months of Apple Arcade and one year of Apple TV+ free. And if purchased from Apple directly, free delivery and 14-day return.
